Camp Blackhawk: Week-Long Retreat for Kids & Teens with Epilepsy

And will be located at Camp Red Leaf (26710 W. Nippersink Rd in Ingleside)

Each summer, the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago’s Camp Blackhawk gives its young participants an experience they won’t soon forget – all with NO COST to parents! For one week, these kids, ages 6-17, get to come together and enjoy all the fun activities and friendships that come with a trip to camp, while leaving behind various challenges epilepsy can bring to their daily lives. They are all surrounded–-some for the first time–-by dozens of other kids who know exactly what having epilepsy means. They don’t have to worry about what people would think if they had a seizure or if they will be excluded from activities just because they are different. At Camp Blackhawk, epilepsy is the norm.

Campers get to experience all kinds of fun camp activities like swimming, zip lining, boating and campfires while in a safe and medically monitored setting. In the months leading up to camp, Foundation case managers build relationships with the campers, as well as their parents, and develop a solid grasp of their needs. Best of all, when campers are having the time of their lives at Camp Blackhawk, those case managers are right along side of them, enjoying every minute just as much!

There is NO cost to attend camp, however, donations are accepted and welcomed. Please be aware that space is limited and campers are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Priority acceptance will be given to people within the Foundation’s service area.

Applications will be available starting March 20, 2015.

For more information, please contact Meredith at 312-939-8622 ext 202 or mtaylor@epilepsychicago.org.